Navajo County sheriff's deputy to be honored in memorials

Updated 12:04 am, Friday, February 26, 2016

HOLBROOK, Ariz. (AP) — A Navajo County sheriff's deputy who died while on duty in 1970 will have his name added to two memorials.

Records of a fatal injury sustained by Deputy Ronald Adair while he pursued a vehicle near Winslow were lost when the basement of county offices flooded. The sheriff's office says Adair's family recently contacted authorities with the information.

Sheriff's officials say various offices were able to determine that Adair hit his head on the roof of his car while crossing railroad tracks. He later complained of a headache, became unconscious and died at the Winslow hospital from hemorrhaging in his head.

Chief Deputy James Molesa says Adair's name will be added to memorials in Phoenix and Washington, D.C., in May.